“No,” said the woman, in a tone of indifference; “it comes to the same thing, as we live twelve times as long as others do.”
By this time the shepherd was gently driving his flock down to the water, and round fifty little fires groups of people were sitting roasting coffee, while cows were lowing to be milked, and girls with distaffs were coming to them slowly, for no one was in a hurry there. They say in that country that they wish to enjoy their day quietly, because it is so short.
“Can you tell us anything of the land beyond the mountains?” asked Jack.
“Yes,” said the woman. “Of all fairy lands it is the best; the people are the gentlest and kindest.”
“Then I had better take Mopsa there than down the river?” said Jack.
“You can’t take her down the river,” replied the woman; and Jack thought she laughed and was glad of that.
“Why not?” asked Jack. “I have a boat.”
“Yes, sir,” answered the woman, “but where is it now?”
“Yes, sir,” said the woman, “But where is it now?”